Hundreds lined the streets Saturday to say good-bye to Lebanon Police officer Kendle Blackburn

In a funeral procession led by emergency service personnel from across the state, hundreds lined the streets Saturday to say good-bye to Lebanon Police officer Kendle Blackburn. The procession stretched from Shadels Colonial Chapel to near Blackburn’s final resting place at Mount Rose Memorial Park, passing under a couple of large American Flags that were stretched high over Jefferson Avenue. Blackburn passed away Monday at the age of 55 after a battle with the COVID 19 virus. Known by many in the community as Lebanon’s friendliest police officer, Governor Mike Parson ordered all U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half staff at Laclede County government buildings until after the service Saturday. The Lebanon Police Department sent out a final end of watch announcement for officer Blackburn, Saturday afternoon.

(Audio courtesy of Chris Roden)

Blackburn served in law enforcement in Laclede County for over 20 years and leaves behind his wife, three sons, and his parents.